Irish fall at penultimate hurdle

Ireland’s Champions Challenge II title dreams came a cropper at the hands of Belgium in Kazan, Russia earlier today, as Gene Muller’s side went down 3-1 in the semi-finals. Despite taking an early lead through Shirley McCay, Ireland were behind inside 24 minutes thanks to goals from Jill Boon and Doriane Meuwese, before McCay was sent to the sin-bin on the stroke of half-time. And, with the fourth corner goal of the game, substitute Erica Coppey sealed the Belgians’ win with 26 minutes to go. They Belgians will now meet India — 2-1 winners over Ukraine in the other semi-final — in the decider, while the Eastern Europeans will battle it out for the bronze medal with Ireland. Muller was left to reflect on a day where his side’s execution let them down, as they spurned nine penalty corners.

“It is obviously a very disappointing loss for us. They created as many chances as we expected them to, as did we create as many as we expected. The difference today was in excecution. We simply did not execute well and we conceded goals and corners that we had not conceded all week.” There was better news at the Celtic Cup in Edinburgh, where three players making their full Irish debuts — Chris Cargo, Paul Gleghorne, Brian Doherty — were on target in an opening-day 3-1 win over France. Cargo’s reverse-stick blast set Ireland on their way in the second minute, a lead doubled by Gleghorne seven minutes later, with Cargo turning provider. Doherty completed the Irish tally in the 43rd minute with a low penalty corner strike, before Freddie Soyez grabbed a late consolation. With Scotland and Wales drawing 1-1, Ireland are now in the driving seat to retain the title won in driving rain in Cork last July. Meanwhile, there was also a debut goal for Nicci Daly on her maiden appearance for Ireland A, her 62nd-minute strike helping her side to a 2-1 over the French, after Nikki Evans’ opener was cancelled out by Perrine Roger. Hannah Bowe also proved instrumental to the Irish win, leaving coach Guy Garrett satisfied with his side’s day’s work: “The team started strongly against the French and the result is a great start to the tournament. It puts us in a good position for the next two days, with good performances from a number of players.” Wales upset holders Scotland 2-1 to throw the tournament wide open, and it is they who lie in wait for the Irish today in both competitions.